As Australia’s aged care support evolves, many families are now navigating how to best support elderly loved ones to live safely and independently at home. With the launch of the Support at Home Program on 1 November 2025, understanding how to financially plan for home care has never been more important.
At Home Care Assistance Australia, we understand that navigating the costs of in-home care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling family needs, health changes, and government funding systems. That’s why we’ve created this practical guide to help you understand:
- What funding is available
- What you might be expected to contribute
- How to access extra supports (like home modifications and equipment)
- How to prepare confidently for the road ahead
Whether you’re planning care for yourself or a loved one, this overview will help you make informed, empowered decisions in 2026 and beyond.
The Support at Home Program: A New Funding Framework
As of November 2025, the Support at Home Program replaced the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. This change simplified how older Australians access services and manage funding.
Here’s what’s changed:
- Funding is now service-based instead of package-based
- Budgets are allocated quarterly (not daily)
- A new eight-level funding system has been introduced, offering more flexible support based on your individual needs
- A portion of the budget will roll over if unused (up to 10% or $1,000 per quarter)
This system is designed to be more personalised, transparent, and responsive to your care needs.
What Costs Are Covered?
Once assessed as eligible under My Aged Care, your funding level will fall between Level 1 ($2,674.18 per quarter) and Level 8 ($19,427.25 per quarter). This funding can be used for:
Everyday Living Support:
- Help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and gardening
- Meal preparation and nutrition support
- Respite care (to give family carers a break)
- Personal care like showering, dressing, or toileting
- Social support and companionship
- Transport to appointments
Clinical and Allied Health Services:
- Nursing care
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Continence support
- Medication management and wound care
Equipment and Assistive Technologies:
You can apply for additional funding to cover mobility aids, communication devices, continence equipment, and other health-supportive technologies (details below).
What Will I Need to Contribute?
Even with government funding, most individuals will be expected to pay something toward their care.
Income-Tested Co-Contributions
The Income Tested Fee (now called a co-contribution under the new system) is means-tested and determined by Services Australia. Your contribution depends on your:
- Income
- Pension or benefit status
- Assets are not considered for home care (unlike residential aged care)
For example:
- Full Age Pensioners typically pay little to no co-contribution.
- Self-funded retirees may be required to contribute more.
You will not need to manage this process yourself—Services Australia handles the assessment and lets your provider know how much you are expected to contribute.
Importantly, your contribution forms part of your care budget, so it gives you access to a higher level of service, rather than being an extra charge.
Additional Supports: What Else Is Funded?
In addition to your quarterly care funding, there are three additional financial support options under the Support at Home Program:
1. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Funding
These funds are designed to help make your home safer and more accessible as your needs change.
Low Tier (up to $500):
- Grab bars, non-slip mats, shower chairs
- Easy-to-install improvements that reduce fall risk
Medium Tier (up to $2,000):
- Walkers, bed rails, transfer aids
- More specialised equipment to support mobility and independence
High Tier (over $15,000):
- Major modifications such as ramps, widened doorways, or accessible bathrooms
- Requires clinical justification and an occupational therapist’s assessment
You do not need to use your core care budget for these items—they are separately funded and can be added as needed.
2. Restorative Care Option
If you’ve had a recent health setback, surgery, or hospital admission, you may be eligible for up to $12,000 in short-term therapy-based care to help you regain independence.
This 12-week care block can include:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Multidisciplinary support for recovery
3. End-of-Life Care Pathway
For those nearing the final stages of life, up to $25,000 in additional funding is available for palliative care at home, spread over a 3-month period.
This funding can be used for:
- Comfort-focused nursing care
- Personal support
- Equipment such as hospital beds
- Emotional and spiritual support services
Families have up to 16 weeks to use this funding and can personalise care to reflect their loved one’s wishes.
Planning Ahead with Confidence
Good financial planning ensures your loved one’s needs are met now and into the future. Here’s how to take a proactive approach in 2026:
Step 1: Start with an Aged Care Assessment
The first step in accessing any funded support is completing an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment through My Aged Care. This will determine your eligibility for the Support at Home Program and identify what level of support you need.
Home Care Assistance can help guide you through this process and ensure all required documentation is prepared.
Step 2: Understand Your Budget and Services
Once assessed, you’ll be assigned a funding level. Your provider (like Home Care Assistance) will work with you to create a tailored care plan that matches your needs and stays within budget.
This plan may include:
- Weekly personal care or domestic help
- Monthly clinical reviews
- Use of additional supports (e.g., AT-HM funds) as needed
Step 3: Get Transparent Pricing
Under the new program, care providers must clearly show service costs upfront. Package management and care management fees are now capped and more regulated. This means more of your budget goes directly toward services—not admin.
Ask for a detailed price list and ensure you understand:
- Hourly rates
- Travel charges
- Weekend or public holiday surcharges
- Additional service options (e.g., after-hours support)
Home Care Assistance provides simple, transparent pricing to help families make informed decisions.
Step 4: Review Your Plan Regularly
As needs change, so can your care plan. You can request reviews and adjustments to:
- Increase services after a hospital stay
- Reduce hours if your health improves
- Add home modifications if mobility declines
Stay in regular communication with your care coordinator.
Why Home Care Is a Smart Financial Investment
While in-home care does come with costs, it can be more affordable, flexible, and personal than alternatives like residential aged care.
Benefits include:
- Staying in your own home longer
- Maintaining independence
- Personalised one-on-one support
- Reduced hospital admissions and complications
- Greater comfort, familiarity, and routine
Many Australians find that a mix of government funding, small personal contributions, and a trusted provider like Home Care Assistance delivers the best outcome, for both the care recipient and their family.
Planning for in-home care in 2026 doesn’t have to be daunting. With the new Support at Home Program, Australian families have more flexibility and funding options than ever before. Understanding the available funding levels, co-contributions, and extra support programs like AT-HM and restorative care allows you to plan ahead with clarity and confidence.
At Home Care Assistance Australia, we’re here to guide you every step of the way; from navigating assessments and funding applications to tailoring the perfect care plan that suits your goals and lifestyle.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
